* Restricted Information: Zarmatians only
Nârsh, the City in the Canyon, has traditionally been one of the most resistant towns in the Land of Zarmator to the harsh rule of the Wizards, its strong fortified position making it more resistant than most to the power of their dreaded flying castles.
Over the years it has chosen many Warlords to lead its fight against the Wizards. Few have lasted long. For the Wizards are well aware of the townsfolk's rebelliousness, and have invariably sought to make an example of them.
The latest claimant to the title of Warlord of Nârsh is one Keraln-na-Crague, an Elven Elementalist, Fighter and Cleric of KOROS. He took control of the town without serious opposition, but has since had difficulty getting his new subjects to obey him. For they are still much afraid of the Wizard; Barraban of the Iron Mask, the tyrannical Binder who rules the Northern part of the Land. Both the Temple of the Black Heart and the Cave Rats have so far remained neutral, and the ordinary townsfolk have followed their example.
Fortunately for Na-Crague, Barraban's attention is mostly directed elsewhere. His arch-rival, the Wizard Narsan, who controls Central Zarmator, is having his own difficulties in keeping control of his extensive territory, and Barraban and Yeorhl in the South are keen to expand at his expense, bringing to an end the most recent truce.
In these circumstances the Prowler in the Darkness was swiftly attributed to Barraban. More people than usual have been disappearing in the deeper caverns, and the rumour soon swept the town that there was Something Terrible down there. Those brave or foolhardy enough to investigate, led by Na-Crague, found a number of horribly dismembered and mutilated bodies and a noisome stench unlike anything they had ever encountered before. Subsequently a few souls escaped the clutches of the thing. Stricken with terror, they nevertheless managed to give a half-coherent account of a large shape that moved entirely in shadow, attacked at lightning speed, and belched a nauseating gas. Lately the Prowler has been taking victims in the higher levels too.
Barraban has sent a messenger offering his assistance: his price being the Warlord's head. Na-Crague has called for volunteers to help him defeat the Thing. The Temple of the Black Heart have started worshipping it. The Cave Rats are running a sweepstake as to where it will strike next. Most people have barricaded themselves in their caves.
© P.R. Wild, 21 April 1987
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